A Moment for Mission
“Little children, let’s not love with words or speech but with action and truth.” —1 John 3:18, CEB
My mission journey started with simple service projects as a camper at Camp Wanake in the East Ohio Annual Conference. My group swept out the barn, visited folks at the nearby nursing home and pulled weeds in the camp garden. These simple things led to the basic idea that we need one another.
The mission seed was planted, and I connected with the local food bank, moving leftovers from restaurants to food pantries; led youth work missions; and served at domestic projects and in Mexico, Honduras, Zimbabwe and the Dominican Republic. All of these experiences reinforced my understanding of being part of God’s mission on earth.
On Volunteers in Mission Awareness Sunday, annual conferences celebrate the people who roll up their shirtsleeves, flex their muscles and share the love of Jesus Christ at home and in distant places. —The Rev. Tammy Kuntz, Volunteers in Mission coordinator, North Central Jurisdiction
Children’s Message
The Bible says, “Little children, let’s not love with words or speech but with action and truth.” —1 John 3:18, CEB
Love is not just something we feel in our hearts. It’s something we do with our actions. When we see someone who needs help, whether it’s a friend who’s sad or someone who’s hungry or lonely, we can show them love by being there for them and helping them in any way we can.
In the church, United Methodist Volunteers in Mission have a special opportunity to show God’s love to others. From helping to build houses, feeding the hungry or just lending a listening ear to someone who needs it, they show God’s love in action.
And the best part is, when we show love to others, it makes us feel good too! Our actions speak louder than our words when it comes to showing love.
Prayer
Almighty God, as we present ourselves to you on United Methodist Volunteers in Mission Awareness Sunday, we celebrate those who have given their prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness as mission volunteers. We thank you for their ministry of demonstrating Christian love in action. May we be as living sacrifices, willing to go where you would send us, using the gifts you have created within us to serve you in this world, putting your love into action. Grant that we would recognize and support this ministry in all the ways we can. Amen.
Offertory Prayer: Discipleship Ministries
Gracious Provider, we gather with hearts filled with gratitude for the love and light you’ve shown us. Your Word reminds us that true love is seen in the self-sacrifice of Christ. As we offer our tithes and offerings, we are reminded of the importance of generosity and stewardship in every aspect of our lives. May these gifts be a reflection of the love we have experienced in Christ and our commitment to steward them faithfully for the work of your kingdom. Use these offerings to bring justice, mercy and hope to a world in need. In your holy name, we pray. Amen. (1 John 3:16-24)
Newsletter Nugget
“Little children, let’s not love with words or speech but with action and truth.” —1 John 3:18, CEB
United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) has been in existence since 1976. The 2016 General Conference approved Volunteers in Mission Awareness Sunday (UMVIM) at its gathering. “UMVIM Awareness Sunday calls the Church to celebrate those who have served in short-term missions and the work of UMVIM throughout the world. If the annual conference so directs, an offering may be received and used by the annual conference Volunteers in Mission program. (The Book of Discipline, 2016, paragraph 265.5)
United Methodist Volunteers in Mission seeks to equip volunteers with experiences that allow them to put Christian love into action in places around the world. The projects that volunteers can serve with are as diverse as the number of places they serve. Work involves the building of churches in impoverished areas and assisting people who are in desperate need of not only food and clean water but also the hope of Jesus. Additional projects include working at medical clinics, teaching English and improving substandard housing in the United States and globally.
UMVIM recognizes the important work of putting Christian love into action across the globe. The success and engagement in God’s mission is training, accepting accountability and celebrating our mission journey.